Heart Lake Fish Stocking
DUCHESNE County, Utah · 1981–2025 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Heart Lake was last stocked September 18, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout. Heart Lake has 25 stocking records on file, spanning 1981–2025, with about 13,512 fish stocked over that period.
When Heart Lake is stocked
Heart Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in September — 15 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Heart Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in DUCHESNE County, Utah.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Heart Lake, they typically congregate in schools near public access points, boat ramps, or inlets for the first 24 to 48 hours while adjusting to natural water conditions.
Since Heart Lake was last stocked September 18, 2025, anglers visiting within 1 to 2 weeks of a reported event generally experience the highest activity before fish disperse into deeper cover.
State Regulations & Licensing
- •Fishing License: A valid Utah freshwater fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older.Purchase Utah license online →
- •Official Rules & Limits: Bag limits, bait restrictions, and seasonal boundaries are set by Utah fish & wildlife agency.Official Utah regulations guidebook →
- •Ethical Conservation: Use barbless hooks and keep fish submerged in water during unhooking.Trout Thermal Advisory: When water temperatures rise above 68°F (20°C), released trout face severe mortality from thermal exhaustion. Target warmwater species or fish early in the morning when lakes and streams warm up.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Heart Lake:
Stocked Trout Tactics
Use light 4–6 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line. Float scented dough bait (PowerBait) 12–18" off bottom using a sliding slip-sinker rig with a size 14–16 treble hook. For active casting, throw 1/16 to 1/8 oz inline spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail) or small spoons (Kastmaster) along drop-offs.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
Recommended Tackle for Heart Lake
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Berkley PowerBait Floating Trout Dough
Hatchery-raised trout are conditioned to pelleted scents; scented dough floated 12–18 inches off bottom consistently triggers strikes.
Panther Martin Classic Teardrop Inline Spinner
The heavy convex blade spins instantly upon retrieval, sending vibration through the water that triggers aggressive reaction bites along drop-offs.
Sliding Sinker & Treble Hook Rigging Kit
Sliding egg sinkers allow cautious trout to run with bait without feeling line drag, while size 14–16 treble hooks keep dough bait securely pinned.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Heart Lake, freshest activity first.
Gibby Lake Rc 30
1 miDUCHESNE County · 2 species · 17 records
Last stocked September 2025
Betsey Lake
1 miDUCHESNE County · 1 species · 23 records
Last stocked September 2025
Survey Lake Rc 20
1 miDUCHESNE County · 1 species · 20 records
Last stocked July 2025
Palisade Lake
3 miDUCHESNE County · 3 species · 17 records
Last stocked July 2025
Sonny Lake
2 miDUCHESNE County · 2 species · 22 records
Last stocked June 2025
Arta Lake Rc 23
1 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked September 2023
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 18, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 569 | 1.53" | Utah DWR |
| September 19, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 561 | 1.45" | Utah DWR |
| September 22, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 556 | 1.9" | Utah DWR |
| September 23, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 569 | 1.7" | Utah DWR |
| September 25, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 569 | 1.62" | Utah DWR |
| September 19, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 549 | 3.32" | Utah DWR |
| July 9, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 569 | 2.8" | Utah DWR |
| September 30, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 590 | 1.71" | Utah DWR |
Show 17 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 15, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 570 | 2" | Utah DWR |
| September 15, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 0 | 2" | Utah DWR |
| September 24, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 565 | 1.42" | Utah DWR |
| September 15, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 570 | 2" | Utah DWR |
| October 12, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 502 | 2.13" | Utah DWR |
| September 29, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 570 | 2" | Utah DWR |
| September 29, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 582 | 1.75" | Utah DWR |
| September 29, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 570 | 2" | Utah DWR |
| October 3, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 572 | 1.76" | Utah DWR |
| October 8, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 554 | 2.02" | Utah DWR |
| October 5, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 578 | 1.9" | Utah DWR |
| July 13, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 591 | 0" | Utah DWR |
| August 25, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 600 | 1.86" | Utah DWR |
| August 13, 1987 | Cutthroat Trout | 579 | 1.9" | Utah DWR |
| August 7, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 608 | — | Utah DWR |
| September 10, 1983 | Cutthroat Trout | 479 | — | Utah DWR |
| August 11, 1981 | Cutthroat Trout | 490 | — | Utah DWR |
Frequently asked
When was Heart Lake last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Heart Lake was last stocked September 18, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Heart Lake?
Heart Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Heart Lake stocked?
Heart Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in September.
How often is Heart Lake stocked?
Heart Lake is stocked intermittently — 25 recorded stockings between 1981 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Heart Lake?
About 13,512 fish have been stocked in Heart Lake across 25 recorded events since 1981, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Heart Lake?
Fish stocked in Heart Lake average about 1.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Heart Lake?
Yes, all anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid Utah freshwater fishing license. Always review current regulations from Utah fish & wildlife agency for site-specific rules, bag limits, or stamps.
How do you catch stocked trout in Heart Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Heart Lake typically respond well to floating dough bait (such as PowerBait) floated 12–18 inches off bottom on light 4–6 lb leader, live nightcrawlers under a bobber, and small inline spinners or spoons retrieved along shorelines and drop-offs.